Opinion Press Release

The #OCRecall2026 effort did not succeed. That is a fact. But as I have said from the beginning, blaming one person or one group is not only unfair — it is dishonest. A recall of this scale requires clarity, structure, and unity. What we saw instead was confusion, ego, and people calling themselves “advocates” without doing the work that advocacy actually requires. Some individuals rushed to point fingers. Others acted like the failure didn’t matter because they now have political connections. Different excuses — same motivation: they wanted visibility, not accountability. I want to remind everyone of two statements I have made publicly and privately: “As long as the system doesn’t bother me or my kids, the system can do whatever it wants. I don’t ask the system for anything — but this corrupted system thought it was fun to mess with me.” And what I told certain “advocates” involved in the recall: “I will do everything to make the corruption stop. I will not be the laugh of any official in Orange County — or Vicente Sarmiento.” These statements were not threats. They were commitments. Commitments I continue to honor. --- Response to the OC Register Article In the recent OC Register article, attorney Mark Rosen, representing the judges, claimed that “Fleming’s group” misused the recall process to influence the bench and intimidate judges. Let me address this clearly and legally: • Referring to everyone as “Fleming’s group” is inaccurate. Many parents did not know who was leading the effort, and participation varied widely. • No advocate — including myself — has publicly stated that we were “unhappy” with the judges. I will speak for myself: I was not unhappy then, and I am even more satisfied now. • I did not attempt to intimidate any judge. Exercising a lawful recall process is not intimidation — it is civic participation. • If the recall process was “misused,” then the question becomes: Why were recall laws modified mid‑process to shorten timelines? That is a legislative action, not a parent action. Rosen said the recall “backfired.” Yes — I know that. But I am also the proof that systems can backfire too. And unlike others, I am prepared for that reality. --- To the “Advocates” Who Chose Silence Advocacy is not a title. It is not a social media identity. It is not a shortcut to political access. Advocacy is action — consistent, uncomfortable, and often lonely action. Some of you watched everything I did. You saw the risks I took. You saw the pressure I faced. And you chose silence. That silence speaks louder than your “advocacy.” I will continue my work without hesitation, without fear, and without needing anyone’s permission. --- Orange County Register Vicente SarmientoJulie Anderson HolburnCounty of Orange, California@